Since the start of his papacy, His Holiness Pope Francis has focused on giving a helping hand to all world countries that suffer from turbulence, chronic problems, and instabilities either by paying visits to these countries or by praying fervently seeking the Lord's help and mercy.
Whenever a problem arises in any part of the world, leaders flock to the Holy See seeking the wisdom and perspicacity of Pope Francis which is inspired by the teachings of the Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ, in order to seek ways out of chronic or transient debacles. Consequently, the Pope exchanges views and conveys his wise advice, while keeping world countries and peoples in his mind and heart through his prayers pleading with Lord Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary.
On Thursday, April 22, Pope Francis met in private audience with Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in the Vatican. This visit has acquired wide coverage from various global media outlets because it takes place at a time when Lebanon is struggling to form a government capable of extricating Lebanon from its current imbroglio in the wake of the various crises wreaking havoc on this country, including its financial crisis and the ramifications of the titanic explosion that ripped through Beirut on August 4, 2020.
During the meeting, the discussion focused on the current situation in Lebanon as the Pope reiterated his closeness to the people of Lebanon, who are experiencing a moment of great difficulty and uncertainty.
Recalling the responsibility of all political forces to urgently commit themselves to the benefit of the nation, the Pope reaffirmed his desire to visit Lebanon as soon as conditions are favorable, bearing in mind that on his return flight from Iraq on March 8, he told reporters that he had promised to visit Lebanon when conditions were right. He also hoped that the international community would garner support for Lebanon and help it move firmly from weakness to strength.
It is hoped that such a visit will take place soon and that the general political situation in Lebanon will improve, which consequently will enable Pope Francis to fulfill his wish and visit the Land of the Cedars so as to console the Lebanese people and help them surmount their current economic and social meltdown. An upcoming visit by the Pope to Lebanon will definitely put this ailing country on the right track while being overwhelmed with divine blessings.
POPE FRANCIS AN ICON OF PEACE FOR ALL PEACE-LOVING PEOPLE
Press reports have also indicated that His Holiness the Pope sent a message dated March 29 to Lebanese President Michel Aoun in which he expressed his support to crises-hit Lebanon, and conveyed his warm prayers to the Lebanese people.
In his message, the Pope expressed his confidence that Lebanon can neither lose its identity nor its experience of fraternal common living which serves as a message to the entire world. He also implored God's help for the attainment of common good of the Land of the Cedars.
Pope Francis is not just an authority for Catholic Christians but rather an icon of peace for all peace-loving people. His nobility and sincere dedication to the divine message of peace needs to be emulated by all world leaders so that a world of peace and justice can replace all forms of evil.
